CreativeSynergy: Creativity + Common Channels

CreativeSynergy presents Creativity + Common Channels on Tuesday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m. Meet the artists as they discuss their exhibit that celebrates one of Iowa’s hidden gems, Ledges State Park. An Artists Walk-about will begin at 5:30pm followed by a panel discussion. “We hope our work will not only highlight the Ledges, but motivate Iowans to take a serious interest in all of our state parks so that future generations will be able to realize the common bond we share with the natural world,” said Nancy Thompson, curator of the exhibit. This CreativeSynergy event is free and open to the public. CreativeSynergy is a progressive networking group formed to explore the realm of creativity and innovation. There is no charge to attend or fee to join. Light snacks provided and beer, wine and soda available for purchase. Registration is appreciated but not required. To register call 641-357-1998 or email clac@cltel.net The exhibit includes a variety of media: black-and-white, color and digital photography; drawings and paintings in graphite, encaustic, watercolor, oil and pastel; and examples of mixed media, combining painting with found objects and ceramics with mechanical devices. As suggested by the exhibition’s title, water is central to many of the pieces on display. “The inspiration for ‘Tribute’ came from Davis and Pease Creeks that carved the sandstone forming the gorges,” said Ingrid Lilligren, a professor and chair of the Department of Art and Visual Culture. “I made the pieces because I love the sound of water in the park; I wanted to provide exhibition viewers with an analogous experience.” The three ceramic forms are different sizes “to create variety in the resonance occurring inside each chamber,” Lilligren said. Each one has its own battery-operated fountain pump and water system inside to mimic the burbling of a stream. The exterior references the layered sandstone. The work of twelve artists (36 pieces) is on display in this inaugural installation at the Clear Lake Arts Center in Clear Lake, IA. Additional faculty and students will participate in the show when it travels to the Boone County Historical Society in March and April 2018. Thompson is consulting with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources about incorporating the exhibition into the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks in 2020; she is also coordinating other venues throughout Iowa. “I’m excited to share this work highlighting the beauty of Ledges State Park and to reach a broader audience beyond the university,” Thompson said. “I hope it resonates with people who know the park and love it, and inspires others to visit their state parks.” Participating artists: Christine Carr, assistant professor, art and visual culture; Rachel Deutmeyer, graduate student, integrated visual arts, Dubuque; Nathan Edwards, lecturer, art and visual culture; Carol Faber, associate professor, graphic design; Robert Jinkins, graduate student, integrated visual arts, Rewey, Wisconsin; Ingrid Lilligren, professor and chair, art and visual culture; Deborah Pappenheimer, senior lecturer, art and visual culture; Anna Segner, graduate student, integrated visual arts, Owatonna, Minnesota; Celinda Stamy, lecturer, art and visual culture; Paula Streeter, lecturer, art and visual culture; Nancy Thompson, lecturer, art and visual culture; and Barbara Walton, associate professor, art and visual culture.